He had denied the charges, saying he had bought the weapon to kill himself.

However, the court also heard that he had written out a list of other items he wanted to buy including petrol, a gas mask and body armour.

Davies drew 77 stickmen to represent the number of people gunned down by Anders Breivik in Norway (PA)

Davies, who aged 18 at the time of the offences, had also drawn 77 stickmen to represent the victims of the 2011 explosion and shootings in Norway.

Speaking outside court, Rachel Scott of the CPS, said: “It quickly became apparent that he was a very dangerous individual who not only idolised mass shooters but had begun his own preparations to follow in their footsteps.